Alabama

Brothers Drew and Clay Marino, 11 and 8, are in their second season of offering "Free Hugs To Girls" before Auburn football home games. Janie Marino

Two Auburn fans, ages 11 and 8, are turning a literal interpretation of a line from the Auburn Creed into a gameday tradition.

Yes, brothers Drew and Clay Marino apparently "believe in the human touch" enough" to offer, per the signs they've now made for two games in as many seasons, "Free Hugs To Girls."

The cuddly concept was first tested at Auburn's 2016 home game against Texas A&M. The results? At least 30 hugs and, according to their mother, Janie Marino, "a few kisses on the cheek and a ton of fist bumps from the guys."

The affectionate experiment was so successful the dashing duo broke out the signs once again Saturday before Auburn's brutal beat-down of the Georgia Bulldogs. They plan to be back in action before the Iron Bowl.

However, whether the Tigers win or lose, Drew insisted to WIAT that Auburn ladies were "going to still be happy because they got hugged by a bunch of juveniles.

"We're just doing it for fun."

Clay, however, appears to be taking the project a bit more seriously.

"This," said the eight-year-old, "is how you get a date."

The brothers Marino say they logged at least 50 hugs Saturday.

As for kisses?

"I don't think any kisses this week," Janie says. "We had a long conversation about that last year."